Homelessness remains a pressing issue in the United States, with economic challenges, housing shortages, and social disparities driving its persistence. In 2025, the 10 states with the most homeless people are California (181,399), New York (103,200), Florida (30,756), Washington (28,036), Texas (27,377), Oregon (20,142), Massachusetts (19,141), Colorado (14,439), Arizona (14,237), and Pennsylvania (12,556). This article explores the factors behind these numbers, their implications, and the broader context of homelessness in the U.S. in 2025, drawing on data from sources like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other reports.
1. California: 181,399 Homeless in 2025
California tops the list of the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025, with 181,399 individuals experiencing homelessness, accounting for nearly 30% of the U.S. total. High housing costs, particularly in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, drive this crisis, with median rents exceeding $2,500 monthly in 2025. Despite initiatives like affordable housing programs, the state struggles with a 48 per 10,000 homeless rate, worsened by economic inequality and limited shelter capacity. In 2025, California’s homelessness crisis remains a focal point for policy debates.
2. New York: 103,200 Homeless in 2025
New York ranks second among the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025, with 103,200 individuals, largely concentrated in New York City. The state’s high homeless rate of 81 per 10,000 reflects soaring rents and poverty, with NYC’s shelter system housing over 60% of its homeless population in 2025. Programs like transitional housing exist, but the sheer volume overwhelms resources, making New York a key case in the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025.
3. Florida: 30,756 Homeless in 2025
Florida, with 30,756 homeless individuals, holds third place in the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025. Cities like Miami and Orlando face challenges from poverty and natural disasters, with a relatively low homeless rate of 14 per 10,000 due to its large population. In 2025, Florida’s warm climate attracts unsheltered individuals, but limited affordable housing keeps it among the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025.
4. Washington: 28,036 Homeless in 2025
Washington ranks fourth in the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025, with 28,036 individuals, driven by Seattle’s housing crisis. A homeless rate of 40 per 10,000 reflects high rents and limited mental health services, with 60% of its homeless population unsheltered in 2025. Washington’s progressive policies struggle to keep pace, placing it firmly in the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025.
5. Texas: 27,377 Homeless in 2025
Texas, with 27,377 homeless individuals, is fifth in the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025. Cities like Houston and Dallas face issues of poverty and healthcare access, with a low homeless rate of 9 per 10,000 due to the state’s vast population. In 2025, Texas’s limited social safety nets contribute to its ranking among the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025.
6. Oregon: 20,142 Homeless in 2025
Oregon, with 20,142 homeless individuals, ranks sixth in the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025, driven by Portland’s housing affordability crisis. Its homeless rate of 54 per 10,000 is among the nation’s highest, with 2025 data showing 60% unsheltered due to insufficient shelters. Oregon’s progressive housing policies face challenges, securing its place in the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025.
7. Massachusetts: 19,141 Homeless in 2025
Massachusetts, with 19,141 homeless individuals, is seventh in the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025. Boston’s high rent prices and poverty drive a homeless rate of 42 per 10,000, with robust shelter systems housing 64% of its homeless population in 2025. The state’s efforts to combat homelessness keep it prominent in the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025.
8. Colorado: 14,439 Homeless in 2025
Colorado ranks eighth in the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025, with 14,439 individuals, largely in Denver. A homeless rate of 32 per 10,000 reflects rising housing costs and economic disparity in 2025. Despite initiatives like tiny home villages, Colorado’s growing urban homeless population secures its spot in the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025.
9. Arizona: 14,237 Homeless in 2025
Arizona, with 14,237 homeless individuals, is ninth in the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025, driven by Phoenix’s affordability challenges. Its homeless rate of 20 per 10,000 highlights issues like poverty and limited healthcare access in 2025. Arizona’s warm climate and urban growth keep it among the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025.
10. Pennsylvania: 12,556 Homeless in 2025
Pennsylvania rounds out the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025, with 12,556 individuals, primarily in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. A homeless rate of 11 per 10,000 reflects moderate housing pressures, with 2025 data showing progress in shelter programs. Pennsylvania’s urban challenges place it in the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025.
Why These Are the 10 States With the Most Homeless People in 2025
The 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025 share common drivers: skyrocketing housing costs, wage stagnation, and insufficient social services. In 2025, the U.S. homeless population hits 771,480, an 18% increase from 2024, with 40% unsheltered. California and New York alone account for over 37% of the total, with urban areas like Los Angeles and NYC facing the brunt. High homeless rates in Oregon and Washington highlight West Coast affordability crises, while Texas and Florida’s lower rates reflect larger populations diluting per capita figures.
Challenges and Opportunities in 2025
In 2025, the 10 states with the most homeless people face economic pressures like rising rents and a 0.3% national homelessness increase since 2020. Overrepresentation of Black and Indigenous groups persists, with 60% of unsheltered individuals in urban areas. Opportunities include expanding affordable housing and mental health services, with states like Massachusetts leading in sheltered care. Federal and state resources lag behind demand, making 2025 a critical year for policy reform.
Conclusion
The 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025—California, New York, Florida, Washington, Texas, Oregon, Massachusetts, Colorado, Arizona, and Pennsylvania—reflect the complex interplay of housing, poverty, and policy challenges. With 771,480 homeless individuals nationwide, these states bear the brunt of a growing crisis in 2025. Addressing root causes like affordable housing shortages and economic inequality is crucial for reducing homelessness in the 10 states with the most homeless people in 2025.
